Saints chairman Stewart Gilmour is confident the pre-season friendly with Geordie giants Newcastle will capture the imagination of the Paisley faithful.

Tickets for the glamour game, which takes place on Tuesday, July 30, went on sale yesterday and it is hoped there will be a bumper crowd at St Mirren Park.

Gilmour reckons Newcastle’s visit is a ‘win-win’ situation for the Buddies – as the fans will get some top class entertainment, the club will rake in much-needed cash and the players will be given a real test ahead of the new season.

He told Express Sports: “It will be a strong Newcastle side, made up of a mixture of first team players and some of their most promising youngsters.

“I think the game will draw a big crowd on the night and, more importantly, it’s part of the team’s pre-season programme.”

Although Newcastle enjoyed a difficult 2012/13 season as they flirted with relegation from the English Premiership, Alan Pardew’s squad still boasts star men such as Hatem Ben Arfa and Papiss Cisse.

The friendly will kick off at 7.30pm and tickets are priced £15 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for children.